Advice for UK Education Institutions on Covid-19 impact in East Asia
Summary
At the British Council, the health and safety of all our visitors, staff and the communities in which we operate is our top priority. We support and cooperate with all local government agencies to put all necessary measures in place to ensure the continued well-being of all with whom we engage in the course of our operations.
This post is to keep UK institutions updated on disruptions across the East Asia region caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.
For travel advice, please refer to FCO updates, and we would encourage institutions who are considering travelling to sign up for alerts - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also strongly encourage visiting local government health websites to stay abreast of the prevailing health advisory and precautionary measures in any country.
For IELTS test arrangements as a result of Novel Coronavirus precautions, please see: https://www.ielts.org/news/2020/changes-to-ielts-test-arrangements-in-some-locations-due-to-novel-coronavirus.
We are monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Please find current information by country/territory as per below:
Key Updates
Japan: Tokyo has entered a fourth coronavirus state of emergency. The central government also extended a state of emergency for Okinawa Prefecture and intensive anti-virus measures for the prefectures of Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa, which neighbour Tokyo, as well as Osaka Prefecture.
Singapore: With another increase in community cases, Singapore has gone back to stricter regulations (Phase 2 Heightened Alert) from 22 July onwards. The situation will be re-evaluated by 18 August 2020.
Vietnam: Numerous provinces and cities, including Ha Noi, have gone into social distancing under Directive 15. Non-essential businesses are ordered closed, and people are recommended to go outside only in cases of emergencies or when necessary.
China
Updated 22 July
Overview
By 21 July, 50 new cases were reported (38 imported cases, 12 local cases), leading to a total of 638 confirmed cases in mainland China.
According to the government’s risk area update, there’s 1 high risk area in Yunnan, 12 medium risk areas with 10 in Jiangsu Province (Nanjing), 2 in Yunnan.
Education Sector
In July, Ministry of Education has released the guidance on pandemic prevention of education sector in summer:
All levels of education institutions shall keep regular and dynamic track for students/staff travel records and health condition (for both off-campus and in-campus groups)
regular pandemic control measures will be implemented during summer (including campus disinfection, key areas supervision etc.)
provide on-campus support for students and staff (open facilities such as classrooms, library, labs, provide services for learning, research, internship and job application)
off-campus students and staff are not encouraged to travel to medium/high risk areas during the holidays, and they shall comply with local pandemic prevention policy to ensure personal safety.
Education institutions shall establish connection with medium to high risk areas for latest update. Strengthen the communication between family and education institutions to provide guidance on pandemic prevention.
Domestic travel
Regular pandemic prevention and control measures in the public space and transportation- wearing masks, green health code check
People are not encouraged to travel to medium / high risk areas,
If travellers are from medium/high risk areas, they shall comply with local prevention & control policy to go through test and quarantine etc. (for people travel from high-risk area to shanghai, they shall take 14 days quarantine in designated place + 2 covid tests. People from medium risk area shall take home quarantine + 2 tests)
International entry
Beijing – 14 +7 +7 (14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 home quarantine + 7 community based health monitoring)
Guangzhou – 14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 days home-based monitoring
Shanghai – 14 days quarantine in designated places + 7 days community- based health monitoring (6 tests)
Sources:
http://www.nhc.gov.cn/xcs/yqfkdt/202107/436b2f1a0dfb41299377dd35c3397a3f.shtml
http://bmfw.www.gov.cn/yqfxdjcx/risk.html
http://www.moe.gov.cn/jyb_xwfb/gzdt_gzdt/s5987/202107/t20210705_542295.html
Hong Kong
Updated 22 July
Starting 21 July, Hong Kong government decided to extend most of the current social-distancing measures for another 14 days, but also planned to relax restrictions for certain event venue providers to host large scale events e.g. symposiums, exhibitions, business meetings. This suggests organising face-to-face events may be feasible. However, the current prohibition on group gatherings of no more than four people in public places, as well as the mask-wearing requirement remain in place.
In terms of the city’s vaccination rate, 43% of residents took their first does and 30.7% of them were fully vaccinated.
Sources:
Most social distancing rules kept: https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2021/07/20210721/20210721_102606_068.html?type=category&name=covid19
5m vaccine jabs administered: https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2021/07/20210721/20210721_221238_511.html?type=category&name=covid19
Hong Kong lowers the age limit for receiving BioNTech vaccines from 16 to 12
The vaccination programme was expanded to young pupils aged between 12-15 from 11 June. It is estimated that around 240,000 children will benefit from this new policy. It was also reported that the government may consider allowing schools to resume face-to-face classes on a full-day basis should the vaccination rate reaches to 70% or 80%. Currently, residents aged 16 or above have two vaccine options - Sinovac (China) and BioNTech (German/US) to choose form, but only the latter one will be available for young students from Year 8 to Year 11.
Source: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1594131-20210603.htm
Local Schools
The Education Bureau (EDB) announced that all schools and private education institutions are permitted resume in-person classes for all pupils on a half-day basis from 24 May.
However, it is reported that some international schools (e.g. French International School, Discovery College) are being allowed to run full-day sessions, based on their facilities being suitable for social distancing, leading some in the local sector to accuse the government officials of applying double standards.
HKDSE Results 2021
This year’s Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) exam results were released for 52,131 candidates, including 45,257day school candidates. The total number of candidates decreased by 2.79% compared to 2020. 17,786 day school candidates met entry criteria (achieved Level 3 or above), compared to last year’s 19,676 candidates. This represents 42.3%, which is comparable to last year.
The HKDSE exam includes four core subjects - English, Chinese, Core Mathematics and Liberal Studies. Amongst the candidates, over 54.2% of them obtained at least Level 3 in English and over 81.8% of them obtained Level 2 or above in Maths.
There are only 15,000 publicly funded places are available via the JUPAS system (the Hong Kong university application system). Those that miss out will either look to study abroad or enter expensive self-funded programmes.
Source: https://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/DocLibrary/Media/PR/DSE21_Press_Release_Eng.pdf
British Council operations
In line with the HK government’s new social-distancing rules, The British Council will be closed to the general public. For the most up-to-date information on our services, please visit our website: www.britishcouncil.hk/en/covid-19 . We are of course happy to hold meetings with the UK Education sector by means of online calls.
Tighter rules for UK arrival
In response to the rebound number of Covid-19 cases in the UK, effective from 28 June, passengers arriving in HK will be required to quarantine for 21 days at a designated quarantine hotel, followed by 7 days of self-monitoring. The UK was in Group A2 category but is now listed in the Group A1 ‘Extremely High-Risk’ category. For more travel advice, please visit the UK government’s website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong/entry-requirements.
Travel restrictions in summary
Non-Hong Kong residents will be denied entry into HK
Transit flight services at Hong Kong International Airport resumed from 01 June 2020
Residents and valid visa holders travelling from outside of China (excluding very high-risk places specified otherwise) must supply a negative Covid-19 test result 72 hours prior to flight departure time and a confirmation letter of hotel reservation for 21-day self-quarantine before boarding for HK.
In light with the spike of infection cases in Taiwan, as of 16 May, travellers who stayed in Taiwan over the past 14 days require to comply with the same rules as passengers travelling from outside of China. Non-HK residents will be denied for entry.
Sources:
Centre for Health Protection (CHP), HKSAR
Government further tightens quarantine and testing arrangements for persons arriving from Taiwan
Macau
- Macao government also lowered the age limit for Pfizer/BionTech vaccine to 12.
Source: https://macaonews.org/covid-19/macao-to-lower-biontech-jab-age-limit-to-12/
Indonesia
Updated 22 July
Indonesia continues to have movement restrictions across the country, amid an increase in cases and infections.
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has decided to extend the emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM Darurat) to July 31 amid the ongoing surge in COVID-19 transmissions. This was initially scheduled to end of 20 July. The restrictions mandate work from home for all non-essential services. The policy was initially for Java and Bali but has been extended to cover 15 regions outside of the two islands.
Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2021/07/17/govt-extends-pkbb-darurat-to-end-of-july.html
Education
Teaching and learning remain online amid the recent surge of Covid-19 cases and the extension of the movement restrictions by government.
LPDP in Indonesia opened registrations for the 2021 cycle of admissions. The scholarships will fund international master’s and doctoral degrees at approved institutions around the world.
Sources:
https://voi.id/en/news/49459/lpdp-scholarship-2021-requirements-how-to-apply-and-selection-schedule
Travel
With the increase in Covid-19 cases in Indonesia several countries and territories including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Taiwan and Hong Kong have either placed Indonesia on their travel ban list or considered doing so. Twenty-six Schengen countries, meanwhile, still ban nonessential incoming travel from outside European Union countries, which includes Indonesia. The Philippines announced on Wednesday that it would bar entry to all travellers coming from Indonesia or those with a recent travel history to the country.
Due to the local lockdown restrictions, the Visa Application Centres in Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya will be closed from 3 July until 25 July. VFS will continue to monitor the situation and post updates on their website.
Indonesia has expanded restrictions to foreigners who plan to enter the country as part of the efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. The Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly said that the temporary suspension also applies to foreign workers who are involving in the national strategic projects. “Based on Law and Human Rights Minister Regulation No. 29/2021, foreigners who are allowed to enter Indonesia are the holders of Indonesian diplomatic visa or Indonesian service visa, diplomatic stay permit or service stay permit, temporary stay permit or permanent stay permit, foreign medical aid workers or foreign aid workers for humanitarian purposes, and foreign crews of air, sea and land transport,” said Yasonna in the statement.
The Ministry of Transportation's Directorate General for Air Transportation released a circular letter on health requirements that must be met by domestic travellers. Passengers will be required to show their vaccination cards, have received at least one dose, and have obtained a negative COVID-19 result in an RT-PCR test taken 48 hours prior to their departure. As for flights outside Java and Bali, passengers will need to show negative test results from an RT-PCR taken 48 hours prior or a negative result from an antigen swab test conducted in the last 24 hours prior to departure.
The latest information on immigration regulations for Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic include guidelines about visas, documentation, SOPs for entry and exit into Indonesia.
Source: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/covid19/detail/77de68da/entering-and-departing-indonesia
Public events
Large scale public events are not allowed, and advisories are changing on a regular basis.
British Council Activity
British Council staff continue to work from home.
Japan
Updated 26 July
Latest news
Tokyo has entered a fourth coronavirus state of emergency. The central government also extended a state of emergency for Okinawa Prefecture and intensive anti-virus measures for the prefectures of Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa, which neighbour Tokyo, as well as Osaka Prefecture.
Both the emergency declarations and intensive measures are scheduled to run through August 22. The duration includes the Tokyo Games, as well as the mid-August Obon holiday.Vaccine certificate applications has started in Japan. Only passport holders are eligible to apply for the certificate, which contains information such as dates of vaccinations. Municipal authorities use the vaccination record of an applicant when issuing the certificate in paper form. However, vaccines have been in short supply across the country.
Public Events
Regarding the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Games Organizing Committee and others have decided to hold the event with no spectators in Tokyo area venues. However, with events held in Miyagi, it has been decided that venues can have 50% capacity with no more than 10,000 spectators.
Schools and Universities
The Ministry of Education (MEXT) continued to announce that all the students who were planning to go study abroad should align to the safety information of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and recommended to refrain from going to the level 3 countries and also to the countries or regions where the government has announced that people have been infected with the mutated virus. The Japanese Universities are making their decision aligned to this Government’s announcement.
The Ministry of Education is encouraging elementary schools, junior high schools and high schools to continue to provide educational activities, including school events and club activities, as much as possible in consideration of the situation of infection in the region. For universities and other institutions, they should take appropriate measures to ensure both the prevention of infection and the availability of learning opportunities through the face to face classes and online classes.
British Council Activities
Considering the government announcement, all the universities are still postponing the onsite exchange programs and it is difficult for the students to realize their plan to study abroad. On the other hand, we have been receiving some request from Japanese Universities. We held Pre- Departure Briefing Webinars on 20 and 21 July with over 100 registered people.
Malaysia
Updated 23 July
Government Response
The measures to contain the spike in daily increase of Covid-19 infections remain in place and include a ban on movement, there is strict monitoring and random checks to ensure there is no unnecessary movement. Inter-district or inter-state travel remain banned. There is a ban on gatherings. There are strict measures and SOPs for visiting public places within districts and include mandatory wearing of masks, temperature checks and contact tracing along with other measures.
The Malaysian government had re-imposed a Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) that was scheduled to conclude on 28 June, however, due to the high rate of daily new cases, the movement restrictions remain in place. These restrictions vary across States, subject to what stage the States are in as per the National Recovery Plan.
The Malaysian vaccination drive has been accelerated and the Prime Minister announced on 23 July that 46.7% of the adult population have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and 21.8% have received both doses.
Education
One of the measures by the government to contain the spread of Covid-19 had been that all education institutions will continue with online teaching and learning till end of August 2021.
Schools had re-opened in March and April amid SOPs for social distancing and arrangements in place. However, under the MCO all educational institutions reverted to online teaching/learning. Schools are expected to re-open in stages from September onwards.
Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/home-based-learning-malaysia-covid-19-mco-15239560
A record high of 15 Malaysian universities qualified for the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University rankings in 2021 – as compared to eight from last year, further strengthening Malaysia as an international education hub.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/06/03/malaysia-now-has-15-in-list-of-worlds-best-universities and https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/06/02/record-high-of-15-malaysian-universities-qualified-for-the-asia-university-rankings-2021
Malayan students travelling overseas for international study are now required to apply for a travel pass. This was announced by the Malaysian Immigration Department. This is applicable to students who are currently enrolled at international universities as well as new students who will travel to join campuses outside of the country. Additional details and announcements on this are expected.
Source: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/05/25/students-studying-abroad-for-first-time-now-required-to-apply-for-travel-pa/1976809 and https://education-services.britishcouncil.org/news/market-news/malaysian-students-travelling-overseas-international-study-are-now-required-apply?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=immediate&utm_content=news%3A%20Market%20News%20
Travel Restrictions
The VFS visa application office in Kula Lumpur resumed operations from 12 July 2021. The re-opened VFS office in KL is operating at reduced capacity and only by prior appointment. The VFS offices in East Malaysia remain closed till further notice and visa applicants from there need to travel to KL to visit VFS by appointment.
Sources:
https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/my/en/news/information-about-uk-visa-application-centre-in-kuala-lumpur
The coordinating minister for the Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme has announced that discussions are on-going with strategic nations such as Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and China for clearer travel policies, particularly for travellers who are fully vaccinated.
Malaysia introduced temporary travel restrictions for travellers coming from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The restrictions include long term pass holders, international students, business and social travellers.
The mandatory quarantine period for travellers coming into Malaysia is 14 days, however it has been extended to 21 days for travellers from select countries.
British Council Activities
British Council staff continue to work mostly from home.
Singapore
Updated 22 July
Singapore had adopted a three-phased approach since emerging from the nation-wide circuit-breaker in June 2020. Phase One featured resumption of selected services and the staggered re-opening of schools. During Phase Two, all students attended daily face-to-face lessons and most businesses resumed, although working from home was strongly encouraged wherever possible. Phase Three commenced in December 2020, with further relaxation of restrictions. All safe management practices remained in place. Covid-19 testing and contact tracing continued.
However, with increasing numbers of community cases being detected and due to the prevalence of the Delta variant, Singapore reverted to Phase 2 in May 2021 with a further tightening of safe management measures (Phase 2 Heightened Alert: 16 May to 13 June 2021). A gradual re-opening (Phase 3 Heightened Alert) then began from 14 June 2021.
However, with yet another increase in community cases, Singapore has gone back to stricter regulations (Phase 2 Heightened Alert) from 22 July onwards. The situation will be re-evaluated by 18 August 2020.
Working from home remains the default mode. Social gatherings are limited to groups of two, and dining-in is no longer allowed. Students have returned to schools after their midterm breaks, and in-person classes and examinations are proceeding as planned, with strict safe management measures in place. The multi-ministry taskforce is continuously evaluating the situation.
Sources:
https://www.gov.sg/article/as-of-20-july-2021-return-to-phase-2-heightened-alert-measures
Vaccinations
The Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and the Moderna vaccines are the two currently being used in Singapore. While the Sinovac-CoronaVac (Sinovac) vaccine is also available in Singapore, this has not yet been approved for use in the national vaccination programme, and is only being administered under the Special Access Route.
Sources:
Vaccinations for healthcare workers started on 30 December 2020 and have been progressively extended to various sectors and age groups.
As of 20 July 2021, over 6.8 million doses of vaccines have been administered in Singapore under the national vaccination programme. About 2.8 million individuals have completed the full vaccination regimen. Contact tracing, testing and vaccination continue to be key prongs of Singapore’s strategy to control the pandemic.
Vaccinations are now being administered for the 12-39 year-old age group. Only the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccine has been approved in Singapore for children below 18 years of age.
The government plans for all Singaporeans and long-term residents to be vaccinated by end-2021, for free.
Sources:
https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/update-on-vaccine-category-name
https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/updates-on-local-covid-19-situation-(21-july-2021)
Travel advisory
While International travel continues to be restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Safe Travel lanes are available to facilitate controlled entry to Singapore, based on the traveller’s profile and purpose of travel.
New entry approvals have been reduced or halted until further notice for all long-term pass holders with travel history to higher-risk countries/regions (i.e. all countries/regions, except Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China and New Zealand). Applicants are advised to defer their travel plans if they are unable to find an entry date in the SafeTravel application portal.
All Singaporeans and residents of Singapore are advised to defer all non-essential travel abroad. However, essential business and official travel will be permitted under specific arrangements.
Source: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/files/SHN-and-swab-summary.pdf
Travel for studies
For international students, Student Pass Holder Lane (STPL) regulations apply. These health control requirements (including pre-departure tests, quarantine measures upon arrival in Singapore, further testing in-country, and contact tracing measures) would also be stated as conditions of entry approval where relevant.
Source: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/arriving/overview
For students, the governmental advisory continues to allow travel for studies for students pursuing academic studies or professional qualifications overseas, for courses or examinations which require physical presence in the foreign educational institution. Students enrolled in local educational institutions may travel overseas to complete a compulsory course component or examination that cannot be completed locally. Students below the age of 18 may be accompanied by an adult. Mature students may travel overseas with their dependents who will be residing with them for the duration of their studies.
Source: https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/updates-on-border-and-community-measures
Safe Management measures at Educational institutions
These include:
Wearing of masks in school and on campus at all times;
Daily temperature-taking in schools, and continued temperature and symptom screening at entrances of IHLs. Students/staff with Acute Respiratory Infection symptoms will be required to stay away from schools/IHLs and are advised to see a doctor;
Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces and disinfection of premises daily;
Frequent hand-washing throughout the school day and the wipe-down of tables after use;
Fixed exam-style seating in schools;
Staggered recess in schools;
Fixed seating arrangements with at least 1m spacing in canteens, classrooms or at appropriate venues;
Dining in canteens and dining halls at the IHLs to continue with the necessary Safety measures
Students to have their TraceTogether token/app with them throughout the school day to facilitate accurate contact tracing
Visitors and staff to check in using their TraceTogether token/app to be allowed entry into schools/institutions, and must have the token/app with them throughout.
Source: https://www.moe.gov.sg/faqs-covid-19-infection
Schools
Following the mid-term break in June, students at all levels have resumed face-to-face lessons from 6 July onwards.
The additional SMMs across schools include:
All in-person Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) and non-essential enrichment will be suspended till further notice. Where possible and meaningful, CCAs may be reformatted and conducted online (eCCA).
External activities such as external CCAs and learning journeys will remain suspended.
For physical education classes, schools will only conduct individual mask-off activities in outdoor or well-ventilated venues. There will be no group activities.
Mask-off music and drama classes will be suspended.
School-based activities and after-school care arrangements will continue, subject to the tightened SMMs.
Schools will also continue to have fixed exam-style seating, with up to 2 students per group for group work.
During recess, fixed seating arrangements will also remain, with 1m spacing between students.
Schools will also be updated further about the arrangements for national examinations which may be affected by the tightened SMMs.
Institutes of Higher Learning:
All IHLs will continue to keep in-person class and lecture sizes to no more than 50 persons.
Similar to schools, in-person CCAs and indoor mask-off activities will be suspended.
Internships and work attachments will continue, with students adhering to the prevailing SMMs at the organisations they are attached with.
Examinations will continue to be conducted in classrooms with no more than 50 persons, or converted to online mode, where practicable.
The Ministry of Health in Singapore provides a regularly updated status report on the daily Covid-19 situation at https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19
South Korea
Updated on 26 July
The greater Seoul area, home to around half of the nation's 52-million population, has extended the highest distancing measures of Level 4 for another two weeks through Aug. 8. The toughest distancing restrictions ban gatherings of more than two people after 6 p.m. and place a 10 p.m. curfew on restaurants and cafes, and a ban on nightclubs and other entertainment venues.
The country also decided to enforce Level 3 distancing restrictions in the non-capital areas from Tuesday until Aug. 8 to better contain the virus during the summer holiday season. Under Level 3, cafes and restaurants can accept customers until 10 p.m. and only takeout and delivery services are available after that time. Private gatherings of more than five people are banned, while mass-gathering events can accommodate less than 50 people.
As of 23 July, A total of 16.89 million people, or 32.9 percent of the country's population, have received their first shots of COVID-19 vaccines, and 6.85 million people have been fully vaccinated.
Students from all grades would be allowed to fully attend in-person classes starting next semester. The attendance cap is set at two-thirds for middle and high schools, and three-quarters for grades 3 through 6 at elementary schools. No attendance cap is set for first and second grade elementary school students until the daily number of added cases exceeds 1,000 but stays below 2,000. All classes will shift to virtual classes when the number of new cases exceeds 2,000.
Sources:
KCDC (Korean government’s official website for Covid-19)
KBR (http://www.koreabiomed.com)
Taiwan
Updated 21 July
Taiwan’s cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus upon 21 July leaving the total number of cases at 15,478, and 778 death since the pandemic began at the end of December 2019, according to the Central Epidemic Command Centre (CECC) (source).
To keep social distancing of 1.5M and to wear the masks when entering to restaurant and public transportations are requested by the CDC. For information on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Taiwan, please visit the Taiwan Centres for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.tw/En
Taiwan eleven public venues are closed for accessing till further notice.
Most public large events like exhibition or show are currently closed or if open but various events and activities are requested to wearing the masks, and some still maintain temperature measures and alcohol spraying when entering the venue.
Schools and Universities
In response to the epidemic, schools at all levels across the country have extended their suspension of classes until the end of the semester
In response to severe and special infectious infectious diseases, the nationwide implementation of the epidemic alert level has been extended, which is the risk of group infection, the health of school teachers and students, and the rights of learning. The Ministry of Education considers reducing the third semester. On 7 June, schools at all levels and public and private kindergartens across the country cease to attend school (kindergarten) during the second semester of 2021. The period will be extended to 2 July, 2021 (schools below high school are closed), and students will learn online at home; after school care service centres, cram schools and other educational institutions also ask all students to stop going and stay at home to study; the school implements online teaching methods, faculty and staff attendance management, teacher teaching methods, and parent service measures, please follow the previously implemented methods.
https://www.edu.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=9E7AC85F1954DDA8&s=210015AEE5D67F5EThe university refers to alternative groups to gather outside worries, and each examination venue is reduced to 20 people to keep distance
The Education Bureau of Taichung City Government stated that it will plan trial services with the highest epidemic prevention specifications, and the number of people in each trial site will be reduced to 20 people, ensuring that the distance between them is more than 1.5 meters. In addition, whether the trial staff can give priority to vaccinations, the Bureau of Education said that it must wait for further steps
https://udn.com/news/story/121427/5547832?from=udn-catelistnews_ch2More than 3,000 Hong Kong students apply for our university, the Ministry of Education simplifies the admissions process to recruit talents
According to statistics from the Overseas Joint Admissions Association, there were nearly 7,000 overseas Chinese who applied for individual applications this year, a significant increase of 1,686 over last year, with a growth rate of 33%; the increase in Hong Kong students was a large number of 685. The main reason for growth is that the world is affected by the epidemic and Hong Kong is experiencing an incident in return. Students who originally planned to study in Hong Kong, mainland China and other places prefer Taiwan.
https://udn.com/news/story/6885/5547824?from=udn-catelistnews_ch2Transforming learning through digital collaboration
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed the landscape of higher education beyond national boundaries and a wide range of learning models are emerging, in particular in online learning at higher education institutions. During the pandemic, National Taiwan University (NTU) has navigated the challenge of preparing students for the future of learning as well as facilitating online education and virtual exchanges. The Global Learning Initiatives Program is an online learning programme that was launched by NTU in April 2020 among the Association of East Asian Research Universities (AEARU). AEARU is an international network with 19 members from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan. The programme aims to incorporate the resources of multiple leading universities to provide unique international learning experiences with different cross-cultural perspectives from students in different locations and regions. The first pilot round was launched in spring 2021. In this round, there are 90 participating students and 33 faculty members from eight universities.
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=2021060708183424
Travel Restrictions in summary
All foreign nationals except for those who hold Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs), documents proving they are in Taiwan for diplomatic or official purposes or to fulfil business contracts, or special entry permits are prohibited from entering Taiwan.
For the latest updates on Taiwan’s entry requirements, please monitor the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Sources:
https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202105180012
https://www.roc-taiwan.org/uk/index.html
https://english.moe.gov.tw/lp-117-1.html
British Council Activities
British Council staff work mostly from home, all classes at the Teaching Centre are now moving to online course, IELTS exams continue running followed by the country’s regulations.
Thailand
Updated 20 July
From 1 July, those who travel to Thailand by airlines must book their stay at Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) hotels at their own expense. ASQ is currently 15 nights.
Those who travel to Phuket do not have to quarantine but must stay in Phuket for at least 14 days. More information about travelling to Thailand.
From 20 July, the new Covid-19 maximum and strict controlled areas will include Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Ayutthaya, Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla.
From 21 July, domestic flights to and from maximum and strict controlled areas are suspended, except flights in connection with Phuket. Other domestic flights fly at up to 50% capacity.
The VFS Visa Application Centre in Bangkok is currently closed to new applications. The Visa Application Centre in Chiang Mai remains open. More information:
https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/th/en/news/information-about-the-uk-visa-application-centres-in-thailand
Schools, universities and public events
Schools have opened since 14 June but on-site teaching is not allowed for schools in maximum and strict controlled areas.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation announced on 29 June that universities in provinces in maximum and strict controlled areas continue to adopt online teaching. Universities in other provinces may resume onsite activities with Covid-19 control measures.
From 20 July, people in maximum and strict controlled areas are not allowed to go out during 21.00-04.00. Gatherings of more than 5 people are prohibited, and the government asked everyone to work from home 100% when possible.
Wearing a mask when leaving home is compulsory.
British Council’s operation
Our teaching centres offer online English courses for adults until 31 July and will also offer classroom lessons when the government allows. Our English courses for young learners have been online since 16 June and will continue to be so until the government lifts the classroom learning ban.
Examination schedule is subject to change as appropriate with necessary measures in place.
For more information please visit https://www.britishcouncil.or.th/en/about/notice
The International Education Services Team is still in operation and will be able to help give advice and respond to queries from UK institutions, agents, and stakeholders.
Vietnam
Updated: 22 July
Since the new wave on April 27, Vietnam has registered 67,473 community transmissions in 59 cities and provinces. During July, specifically since July 4, the number of registered cases has increased dramatically, currently peaking at 5,537 new cases reported on July 22, raising the tally to an average of 4,701 cases over the span of 7 days. Ho Chi Minh City is accounted for the most cases, 43,776, followed by its neighbouring areas in the Mekong Delta. Ha Noi has also recorded 427 infected cases during this new wave.
This difficult situation has required Vietnamese government to put up drastic measures in containing the disease, such as applying social quarantine in heavily affected areas via Directive 15 and 16, bringing distancing regulations into effect.
Viet Nam has reduced its quarantine policy from 21 back to 14 days for both foreign arrivals and those who come into contact with Covid-19 patients. This applies to all forms of quarantine and must be followed by 14 days of self-isolation. The same measure is also applied for people coming back from high-risk areas, with 14 days of self-isolation at home and another 14 of self-monitoring.
Travel restrictions:
In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has imposed several travel restrictions on those entering the country.
Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners since March 22, 2020, until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19. The measure will not apply to diplomats, officials, foreign investors, experts, and skilled workers.
Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines resumed some international flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with South Korea, Japan, and Australia from April 3, and Ho Chi Minh City with the UK, Germany and Thailand also, as announced on July 12. Low-cost carrier VietJet has also resumed services including to Taiwan and Thailand. However, only repatriated approved Vietnamese citizens and approved foreign experts will be allowed to enter Vietnam.
Under Directive 15 and 16, all passengers boarding flights to and from HCMC is required to present negative test results against Covid-19. Flights to and from areas applying Directive 15 and 16 is either banned or strictly restricted. Inbound travelling is drastically minimised.
Public means of transportation are either banned in areas applying Directive 16, or minimised in areas applying Directive 15. The same goes to transportation and delivery services.
People travelling to and from high-risk areas must make health declarations and sign a commitment to follow Covid-19 prevention guidelines with the authorities, including quarantining or self-isolation if required.
Schools, universities and public events
Hanoi and some affected provinces authorities have closed schools from 4 May, including language centres. Ho Chi Minh city has also announced to close schools and move to online teaching from 10 May.
Numerous provinces and cities, including Ha Noi, have gone into social distancing under Directive 15. Non-essential businesses are ordered closed, and people are recommended to go outside only in cases of emergencies or when necessary. Offices and agencies are to have employees work 50 percent from home, and people working in essential businesses are required to make medical declarations via QR codes. The authorities ban all face to face activities having more than 5 people gathering. Events such as funerals cannot have over 30 people and will be supervised strictly by health officials.
HCMC and various southern areas are to comply with Directive 16, with strict social distancing measures. Staying at home is obligatory, unless there are cases or emergency or dire necessary. All non-essential businesses are ordered closed, office and agency workers are to work remotely entirely, and people working in essential businesses are required to adhere to strict procedures. The authorities ban all face to face activities having more than 2 people gathering.
People are required to strictly apply the official 5K measures (5K means "Khau trang" (face mask) - "Khu khuan" (disinfection) - "Khoang cach" (distance) - "Khong tu tap" (no gathering) - "Khai bao y te" (health declaration)). In necessary interactions, a minimum distance of 2m between people is required.
British Council’s operation:
Our English classes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are being delivered online.
Exams services in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city is temporarily suspended until further notice. All British Council Vietnam personnel is required to work from home, unless necessary.
In the meantime, mental health aiding measures are adopted to assist employees in remote working. A technical transformation program is also in effect, which is expected to improve collaboration and working efficiency across digital platforms.
Sources:
‘Hanoi tightens Covid-19 restrictions, bans public gatherings over five people’, VNExpress 18 July
‘Vietnam confirms 2,965 new local Covid cases’, VNExpress 22 July
‘Covid-19 Update’, U.S Embassy - https://vn.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/
‘Additional 16 southern provinces and cities to apply social distancing under Directive 16’, Viet Nam News 17 July
Contact: BCEducationServices@britishcouncil.org